FRISCO, Texas – Wearing a protective cast for his surgically-repaired right forearm, starting safety Barry Church practiced Monday on a limited basis as he points toward returning to the lineup for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Church has missed the last four games with a forearm fracture that required surgery.
"We'll take it day by day," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said, "but hopefully he continues to have a good week and will be available for us."
Church's return would help stabilize a Cowboys secondary that has dealt with multiple injuries lately. Starting cornerback Morris Claiborne continues to sit out with a groin injury, and safety J.J. Wilcox Church's recent replacement at strong safety, did not practice Monday due to a thigh injury.
Despite missing four games, Church is still among the defense's leading tacklers with 64. He also has a team-best two interceptions.
The defensive captain said he now has full range of motion in his arm, and the cast he's currently wearing in practice only goes up to his wrist, which allows him to use his right hand and fingers.
"I haven't yet brought somebody to the ground, fully wrapped up with it," he said. "We'll see how that goes when the game comes around, but for the most part I feel great with it on. I don't really feel it while I'm out there."
